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Questions and Answers
What does M&S stand for?
What does M&S stand for?
Marks & Spencer
What is the formula for risk?
What is the formula for risk?
Hazard X Exposure = Risk
M&S's Childrenswear Safety Manual is a living document.
M&S's Childrenswear Safety Manual is a living document.
True
What is the minimum standard a factory must achieve before producing Childrenswear for M&S?
What is the minimum standard a factory must achieve before producing Childrenswear for M&S?
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The M&S Product Safety Audit (PSA) aims to ensure consistent production of safe products that meet customer expectations and uphold the M&S brand reputation.
The M&S Product Safety Audit (PSA) aims to ensure consistent production of safe products that meet customer expectations and uphold the M&S brand reputation.
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M&S requires suppliers to share their Environmental and Chemical Policy (ECP) with their supply chain partners.
M&S requires suppliers to share their Environmental and Chemical Policy (ECP) with their supply chain partners.
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The M&S Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) bans all hazardous chemicals from deliberate use in formulations.
The M&S Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) bans all hazardous chemicals from deliberate use in formulations.
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M&S requires its suppliers to comply with European REACH legislation.
M&S requires its suppliers to comply with European REACH legislation.
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Failure to comply with M&S's Environmental and Chemical Policy could result in a fine or product rejection.
Failure to comply with M&S's Environmental and Chemical Policy could result in a fine or product rejection.
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The Childrenswear Safety Manual details the M&S minimum safety standards that apply to all products, regardless of whether they are intended for outlet stores.
The Childrenswear Safety Manual details the M&S minimum safety standards that apply to all products, regardless of whether they are intended for outlet stores.
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M&S accepts unsafe merchandise that can be reworked to meet safety standards and departmental needs.
M&S accepts unsafe merchandise that can be reworked to meet safety standards and departmental needs.
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M&S imposes a £10,000 GBP fine specifically for sharp contamination found in products which originated in the factory.
M&S imposes a £10,000 GBP fine specifically for sharp contamination found in products which originated in the factory.
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The terms and conditions for M&S General Merchandise can be found on the Origin platform.
The terms and conditions for M&S General Merchandise can be found on the Origin platform.
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Which of these safety concerns are addressed in the Childrenswear Safety Manual?
Which of these safety concerns are addressed in the Childrenswear Safety Manual?
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What is the primary concern related to aglets, or flugelbinders?
What is the primary concern related to aglets, or flugelbinders?
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For children under 3 years, a wrapped end aglet with an extended bar tack is permitted.
For children under 3 years, a wrapped end aglet with an extended bar tack is permitted.
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For children under 3 years, a dipped end aglet is permitted.
For children under 3 years, a dipped end aglet is permitted.
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What is the primary safety concern related to bags, including lunchboxes?
What is the primary safety concern related to bags, including lunchboxes?
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of cords to replace traditional backpack straps.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of cords to replace traditional backpack straps.
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For all ages, any back pack strap should be as narrow as possible to minimize the risk of entanglement.
For all ages, any back pack strap should be as narrow as possible to minimize the risk of entanglement.
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For all ages, any backpack straps longer than 75cm should be avoided.
For all ages, any backpack straps longer than 75cm should be avoided.
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For all ages, any backpack straps longer than 3 years without a safety break should be avoided.
For all ages, any backpack straps longer than 3 years without a safety break should be avoided.
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What type of safety assessment is required for all plush backpacks, regardless of age?
What type of safety assessment is required for all plush backpacks, regardless of age?
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For battery-operated components, the batteries must be easily accessible for replacement.
For battery-operated components, the batteries must be easily accessible for replacement.
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M&S requires its suppliers to use only RoHS 2 compliant materials in all battery-operated components.
M&S requires its suppliers to use only RoHS 2 compliant materials in all battery-operated components.
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M&S requires its suppliers to comply with the 2023 WEEE Directive for battery and accumulator waste.
M&S requires its suppliers to comply with the 2023 WEEE Directive for battery and accumulator waste.
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M&S allows the use of star-shaped beads as long as their edges are smooth and free of sharp points.
M&S allows the use of star-shaped beads as long as their edges are smooth and free of sharp points.
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M&S allows the use of claw clasps to attach beads, as long as they meet the necessary safety standards.
M&S allows the use of claw clasps to attach beads, as long as they meet the necessary safety standards.
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For beads intended for children under 3 years old, a single knot after each bead is sufficient to secure them.
For beads intended for children under 3 years old, a single knot after each bead is sufficient to secure them.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of monofilament thread to attach beads.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of monofilament thread to attach beads.
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For all ages, M&S requires a P5 durability washing test for beads to ensure their stability and prevent the beads becoming detached.
For all ages, M&S requires a P5 durability washing test for beads to ensure their stability and prevent the beads becoming detached.
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For children under 3 years old, bells are not permitted.
For children under 3 years old, bells are not permitted.
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For children 4 years and older, bells must pass P115B before production.
For children 4 years and older, bells must pass P115B before production.
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For all ages, M&S requires a P5 wash test to be conducted on all belts to test for durability and ensure that the components do not break.
For all ages, M&S requires a P5 wash test to be conducted on all belts to test for durability and ensure that the components do not break.
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of rolled finish eyelets on belts, as long as they are the correct depth and securely attached to the material.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of rolled finish eyelets on belts, as long as they are the correct depth and securely attached to the material.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of metal D-rings and buckles on belts, as long as they are fully welded or cast into one piece.
For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of metal D-rings and buckles on belts, as long as they are fully welded or cast into one piece.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of star clench back on eyelets or studs, as long as they are securely attached.
For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of star clench back on eyelets or studs, as long as they are securely attached.
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What are the primary safety concerns associated with bibs?
What are the primary safety concerns associated with bibs?
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For all ages, side neck ties on bibs are permitted if they are securely fastened.
For all ages, side neck ties on bibs are permitted if they are securely fastened.
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For all ages, M&S requires all bibs to pass a suffocation hazard assessment.
For all ages, M&S requires all bibs to pass a suffocation hazard assessment.
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For all ages, M&S mandates that all water bottles must be BPA-free.
For all ages, M&S mandates that all water bottles must be BPA-free.
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of any type of water bottle as long as it meets the EN14350-1 Drop Test standard.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of any type of water bottle as long as it meets the EN14350-1 Drop Test standard.
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For all ages, M&S mandates that all water bottles should have permanent M&S branding, either molded into the bottle or screen printed.
For all ages, M&S mandates that all water bottles should have permanent M&S branding, either molded into the bottle or screen printed.
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For all ages, M&S requires all water bottles to meet the minimum standards of the British Soft Drinks Association.
For all ages, M&S requires all water bottles to meet the minimum standards of the British Soft Drinks Association.
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For all ages, M&S requires a sensory testing for taste and aroma for all water bottles.
For all ages, M&S requires a sensory testing for taste and aroma for all water bottles.
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For all ages, M&S requires all bows to pass a TTF/Pull Test to ensure that they are securely attached and do not present a choking hazard.
For all ages, M&S requires all bows to pass a TTF/Pull Test to ensure that they are securely attached and do not present a choking hazard.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S only allows bows that are lock-stitched.
For children under 3 years old, M&S only allows bows that are lock-stitched.
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M&S requires all braces to pass a safety risk assessment, regardless of age.
M&S requires all braces to pass a safety risk assessment, regardless of age.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of metal 'crocodile' clip braces, as long as the safety risk assessment is completed and approved by the departmental technologist.
For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of metal 'crocodile' clip braces, as long as the safety risk assessment is completed and approved by the departmental technologist.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S requires all braces to pass a TTF/Pull Test to ensure that they are securely attached and do not detach easily.
For children under 3 years old, M&S requires all braces to pass a TTF/Pull Test to ensure that they are securely attached and do not detach easily.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of star clench back on D-rings for braces, as long as they are securely attached.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of star clench back on D-rings for braces, as long as they are securely attached.
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For all ages, M&S requires that D-rings on braces must be fully welded into one piece.
For all ages, M&S requires that D-rings on braces must be fully welded into one piece.
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For all ages, M&S mandates that all buttons must be machine-locked stitched.
For all ages, M&S mandates that all buttons must be machine-locked stitched.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of chain stitching for buttons.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of chain stitching for buttons.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of two-part composite buttons, as long as they are securely attached to the garment.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of two-part composite buttons, as long as they are securely attached to the garment.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of soft silicon buttons for children, as long as they are securely attached.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of soft silicon buttons for children, as long as they are securely attached.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of hand-stitched buttons, as long as they are securely attached.
For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of hand-stitched buttons, as long as they are securely attached.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of toggle buttons, as long as they are securely attached and meet the necessary safety standards.
For children under 3 years old, M&S permits the use of toggle buttons, as long as they are securely attached and meet the necessary safety standards.
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For all ages, M&S mandates that all buttons should be tested for strength, including P122, to ensure that they can withstand normal wear and tear.
For all ages, M&S mandates that all buttons should be tested for strength, including P122, to ensure that they can withstand normal wear and tear.
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For all ages, M&S mandates that all buttons must be free of any injection mold flash or rough edges.
For all ages, M&S mandates that all buttons must be free of any injection mold flash or rough edges.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of latex rubber buttons, as long as they are securely attached.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of latex rubber buttons, as long as they are securely attached.
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For all ages, M&S prohibits the attachment of spare buttons to clothing, to avoid potential ingestion or choking hazards.
For all ages, M&S prohibits the attachment of spare buttons to clothing, to avoid potential ingestion or choking hazards.
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For all ages, M&S mandates that all glass buttons must be tested for strength and durability, as long as they are securely attached.
For all ages, M&S mandates that all glass buttons must be tested for strength and durability, as long as they are securely attached.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S mandates that all buttons should be attached to smooth and evenly-shaped surfaces.
For children under 3 years old, M&S mandates that all buttons should be attached to smooth and evenly-shaped surfaces.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S prohibits two-part buttons, such as those where a 'pig nose' or a cover is used.
For children under 3 years old, M&S prohibits two-part buttons, such as those where a 'pig nose' or a cover is used.
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For children under 3 years old, M&S prohibits the attachment of soft silicon buttons.
For children under 3 years old, M&S prohibits the attachment of soft silicon buttons.
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of soft silicon buttons for accessories, such as gloves or mittens, as long as they are securely attached.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of soft silicon buttons for accessories, such as gloves or mittens, as long as they are securely attached.
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For children 4 years and older, M&S permits the use of composite buttons, but they must be tested for strength, according to P115B, to ensure they are securely attached and do not come undone.
For children 4 years and older, M&S permits the use of composite buttons, but they must be tested for strength, according to P115B, to ensure they are securely attached and do not come undone.
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For children 4 years and older, M&S allows hand-stitched buttons, as long as they are securely attached and meet the P115B safety criteria.
For children 4 years and older, M&S allows hand-stitched buttons, as long as they are securely attached and meet the P115B safety criteria.
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For children 4 years and older, M&S permits the use of composite buttons, as long as they are clamped, glued, or securely attached using epoxy resin, and meet the P115B and P122 safety requirements.
For children 4 years and older, M&S permits the use of composite buttons, as long as they are clamped, glued, or securely attached using epoxy resin, and meet the P115B and P122 safety requirements.
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For children 4 years and older, M&S allows the use of hand-stitched buttons, as long as they are securely attached and meet the P115B safety requirements.
For children 4 years and older, M&S allows the use of hand-stitched buttons, as long as they are securely attached and meet the P115B safety requirements.
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For all ages, M&S requires its suppliers to use only non-ferrous materials for all components, including buttons, straps, and other metal parts.
For all ages, M&S requires its suppliers to use only non-ferrous materials for all components, including buttons, straps, and other metal parts.
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For all ages, M&S requires a TTF/Pull Test for all buttons, to ensure that they are securely attached.
For all ages, M&S requires a TTF/Pull Test for all buttons, to ensure that they are securely attached.
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of chains, as long as a breaker link is used to minimize the risk of entrapment.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of chains, as long as a breaker link is used to minimize the risk of entrapment.
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For all ages, M&S mandates that all chains should be fabricated using a specific kind of metal, to reduce the risk of the metal oxidizing.
For all ages, M&S mandates that all chains should be fabricated using a specific kind of metal, to reduce the risk of the metal oxidizing.
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M&S allows the use of decorative feathers, but they should be risk assessed for safety.
M&S allows the use of decorative feathers, but they should be risk assessed for safety.
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M&S mandates that any decorative feathers used in children's clothing must be thoroughly washed and processed to meet British hygiene standards.
M&S mandates that any decorative feathers used in children's clothing must be thoroughly washed and processed to meet British hygiene standards.
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M&S strictly forbids the use of decorative feathers for children under 3-4 years old, owing to their potential choking hazard.
M&S strictly forbids the use of decorative feathers for children under 3-4 years old, owing to their potential choking hazard.
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For all ages, M&S encourages the use of soft interlining on embroideries that come into direct contact with the skin, to prevent irritation or chafing.
For all ages, M&S encourages the use of soft interlining on embroideries that come into direct contact with the skin, to prevent irritation or chafing.
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For all ages, M&S recommends that thread tails should be kept to a maximum of 1cm to minimize the risk of entrapment.
For all ages, M&S recommends that thread tails should be kept to a maximum of 1cm to minimize the risk of entrapment.
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of interlining that is cut with square corners, provided the edges are securely stitched down.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of interlining that is cut with square corners, provided the edges are securely stitched down.
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For all ages, M&S requires that interlining must be securely attached to the garment, using stitching, to prevent it from detaching easily.
For all ages, M&S requires that interlining must be securely attached to the garment, using stitching, to prevent it from detaching easily.
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For all ages, M&S requires that all fusible motifs and badges must be stitched all around to ensure that they are firmly attached to the garment.
For all ages, M&S requires that all fusible motifs and badges must be stitched all around to ensure that they are firmly attached to the garment.
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of adhesive alone to attach fusible motifs and badges, as long as they are securely attached to the garment.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of adhesive alone to attach fusible motifs and badges, as long as they are securely attached to the garment.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of sonic welded motifs, as long as they are securely attached and meet the P5 durability test.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of sonic welded motifs, as long as they are securely attached and meet the P5 durability test.
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For all ages, M&S permits the use of plastic badges, but requires that their edges must be sealed to prevent fraying.
For all ages, M&S permits the use of plastic badges, but requires that their edges must be sealed to prevent fraying.
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For all ages, M&S requires that all plastic badges must have a groove line to allow for stitching.
For all ages, M&S requires that all plastic badges must have a groove line to allow for stitching.
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For all ages, M&S requires its suppliers to source all fabrics and trims only from approved mills, to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with ethical sourcing standards.
For all ages, M&S requires its suppliers to source all fabrics and trims only from approved mills, to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with ethical sourcing standards.
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For all ages, M&S allows the use of trims and fabrications that are not included in its ECP guidelines, but they must be approved by the departmental technologist.
For all ages, M&S allows the use of trims and fabrications that are not included in its ECP guidelines, but they must be approved by the departmental technologist.
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M&S permits the use of dress-up garments that do not meet the requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, as long as they are thoroughly risk assessed and approved by the departmental technologist.
M&S permits the use of dress-up garments that do not meet the requirements of the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, as long as they are thoroughly risk assessed and approved by the departmental technologist.
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Study Notes
Childrenswear Safety Manual 2024 - Clothing & Accessories
- Safety is a core business value, and M&S strives to meet high customer expectations
- Risk is minimized by minimizing the hazard (hazard x exposure = risk)
- The manual offers guidance for designing and manufacturing children's clothing for M&S; it's organized alphabetically for convenience
- The manual is a living document that will be updated regularly, taking into account changing customer needs, legislation, and technological advancements
- Product safety is ensured through supplier designation of a senior-level product safety manager
- The product safety manager is responsible for all product safety aspects, reporting directly to senior factory management
- Product safety auditors in the suppliers factories must adhere to a "Certified Auditor Program" involving training, witnessed audits, and exams
- All manufacturing processes employees must have appropriate training to deliver safe products
- M&S has a ferrous free metal component policy for effective metal detection
- M&S has an environmental and chemical policy (ECP) to ensure products meet legal standards, restricting/eliminating chemicals of concern
- Suppliers are responsible for communicating the policy to their supply chain and ensuring chemical compliance
- M&S Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) restricts hazardous chemicals
- M&S Restricted Substances List (RSL) specifies permitted residue levels of hazardous chemicals on the finished product
- M&S requires suppliers to adhere to European REACH Legislation
- M&S has a process in place to respond to requests about Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) within 45 days
- The Regional Product Safety Auditor is responsible for conducting product Safety Audits (PSAs) in each factory to confirm procedures adhering to M&S guidelines are in place( minimum standard grade)
- Factories are re-audited monthly by the Regional Product Safety Auditor.
- Several types of tests are mentioned throughout the manual to ensure safety standards for children's wear are maintained
First the Hazards
- M&S will identify hazards in the design, manufacturing and use of the products
- M&S has a detailed process using a Tech Pack for safety grading of the product
- M&S Technologist complete the TECH PACK with safety grading
- A SAFETY ASSESSMENT FORM (SAF) should be completed by M&S safety consultant or M&S Head office Departmental Technologist in cases of HIGH risk
- Toys must adhere to comprehensive safety documentation: SAF, Bill of materials, Relevant Testing, & Toy Safety (DoC) testing and declaration.
- Indirect suppliers (those who provide components) must assess their products for safety.
- The SSRA documents are used throughout the development process of the product for a full risk evaluation
Hazards
- Many types of hazards are listed including burns, choking, ingestion, inhalation, insertion, laceration, neck constriction breathing, projections, restriction of hearing, restriction of sight , and strangulation
- Detailed descriptions of each potential hazard are provided for comprehensive understanding.
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